“Fireworks noted our arrival as we marched into camp. We felt like returning heroes.” -Paoli 1 Eagle Scout Horace Rigg
Exhibit Details
Camp Rothrock, located in the Michaux State Forest near Carlisle replaced Camp Lafayette as the Council Camp in 1921. While the secluded wilderness setting was ideal, the distance from Chester County was a problem and the camp’s life was short lived. The camp closed after the 1927 season.
The Rothrock staff gathers around <strong>Chief Heistand</strong>.
Rothrock Staffer or Camper
Contributed by John B. Rettew III
Rothrock staffer or camper?
Rothrock Honor Tent
Contributed by John B. Rettew III
Rothrock Honor Tent.
Honor Tent
1924 – Contributed by Richard T. Bensing
L to R (Rear): <strong>Reed Keator, Roy Faulconer, Nick Faulconer, Richard Warren, Thomas Bishop, Horace Rigg, Richard Keator, Tom Foley, Richard Krick, Bunny Klinger</strong>. <p>(Middle): <strong>John Greiner, Fred Keator, Howard Hill, Braden Kane, Jack Abbs, Jim Howson, ______, George Howson, Thomas Patterson</strong>. <p>(Front):<strong> Roger Hollingsworth, Wynn Whetstone, _______, Clifton Lisle, Sam Hollingsworth, Walter Whetstone, John Chalfont, Winslow Cokket</strong>.<p> This picture was scanned from the Paoli 1 75th Anniversary Yearbook.
Rothrock 1923
1923 – Contributed by Richard T. Bensing
L to R: <strong>Harry Rolin, Warren Bodman, Roy Faulconer, John Abbs, George Robertson, James Howson, Clifton Lisle, Thomas Patterson, Richard Rigg</strong>. <p>This picture was scanned from the Paoli 1 75th Anniversary Yearbook.
Scout and Skunk. This photo was found in the Council achives along with some Rothrock staff member photos.
Lisle and Rothrock
Contributed by John B. Rettew III
<strong>Clifton Lisle</strong> and <strong>Gilbert Rothrock</strong> at Camp Rothrock.
Huck Finn Pageant
Display Details
This is one of the pageants that was performed at Camp Rothrock. Curator’s Note: A certain actor portrayal in this gallery is not condoned by HSRAA or CCC. It is here merely for historical purposes.
Rothrock's Huck Finn
Contributed by John B. Rettew III
Rothrock's Huck Finn
Rothrock Huck Finn Pageant
Contributed by John B. Rettew III
A couple characters from the Camp Rothrock Huck Finn production.
Rothrock Huck Finn Pageant
Contributed by John B. Rettew III
Characters from the Camp Rothrock Huck Finn pageant.
Rothrock Huck Finn Character
Contributed by John B. Rettew III
Rothrock Huck Finn character.
Rothrock Actor
Contributed by John B. Rettew III
Rothrock actor.
Rothrock Memorabilia
Display Details
Here is a collection of artifacts, including images, during Rothrock’s short operational period.
See Also
Click HERE to see the museum’s main Memorabilia room.
A certificate earned by <strong>Al 'the Sheik' Brawn</strong> in 1925 and signed by Octoraro Lodge founder <strong>Joseph H. Brinton</strong>.
Rothrock Certificate
1925 – Contributed by Steven Scheidt
A certificate earned by a scout in 1925 and signed by Octoraro Lodge founder <strong>Joseph H. Brinton</strong> and <strong>Chief Heistand</strong>.
Rothrock Patch
Contributed by Paul Munscher
This patch was one of the few patches issued to campers during Camp Rothrock's operation.
Rothrock Trophy Bag
1926 – Contributed by Paul Munscher
This trophy bag was most likely made in 1926 – after Octoraro 22 was founded and before Camp Horseshoe started. There are many spiritual symbols included on the face of the leather pouch.
Rothrock Patches
Contributed by Paul Munscher
Here is a photo of all the Camp Rothrock patches.
Media Articles
Display Details
Any newspaper or magazine articles we dig up for Camp Rothrock will be included here.
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February 9, 2026
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From the May 26, 1921 edition of The Oxford Press, this article introduces its readers to Chester County Council’s new camp, Camp Rothrock, giving details about its location and its leadership.
1921 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the May 26, 1921 edition of The Oxford Press, this article introduces its readers to Chester County Council’s new camp, Camp Rothrock, giving details about its location and its leadership.
1921 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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February 9, 2026
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From the August 16, 1921 edition of the Daily Local News, this letter from a Scout gives some details about the happenings at Camp Rothrock, but he also relates a poem that he wrote about the camp.
1921 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the August 16, 1921 edition of the Daily Local News, this letter from a Scout gives some details about the happenings at Camp Rothrock, but he also relates a poem that he wrote about the camp.
1921 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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February 23, 2026
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From the August 25, 1921 edition of the Daily Local News, this article talks about Camp Rothrock’s happenings in the past summer, including the coveted “R” patch being awarded to more than 100 Scouts who earned it.
1921 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the August 25, 1921 edition of the Daily Local News, this article talks about Camp Rothrock’s happenings in the past summer, including the coveted “R” patch being awarded to more than 100 Scouts who earned it.
1921 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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February 23, 2026
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From the April 10, 1922 edition of the Daily Local News, this article makes mention of a Camp Rothrock reunion at the YMCA where 220 people attended and tributes were given to individuals such as Dr. Joseph T. Rothrock for whom the camp was named.
1922 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the April 10, 1922 edition of the Daily Local News, this article makes mention of a Camp Rothrock reunion at the YMCA where 220 people attended and tributes were given to individuals such as Dr. Joseph T. Rothrock for whom the camp was named.
1922 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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From the June 14, 1922 edition of the Daily Local News, this article talks about Camp Rothrock in a general sense, giving some highlights of the camp and even providing some basic directions to get there.
1922 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the June 14, 1922 edition of the Daily Local News, this article talks about Camp Rothrock in a general sense, giving some highlights of the camp and even providing some basic directions to get there.
1922 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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From the July 7, 1922 edition of the Daily Local News, this article outlines the finances, camp personnel, and improvements made to Camp Rothrock for 1922.
1922 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the July 7, 1922 edition of the Daily Local News, this article outlines the finances, camp personnel, and improvements made to Camp Rothrock for 1922.
1922 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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From the August 18, 1922 edition of the Daily Local News, this article outlines a number of activities and hikes taking place in one of the later weeks at Camp Rothrock.
1922 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the August 18, 1922 edition of the Daily Local News, this article outlines a number of activities and hikes taking place in one of the later weeks at Camp Rothrock.
1922 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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From the August 22, 1922 edition of the Daily Local News, this article talks about the plentiful activities at Camp Rothrock, including swimming, hiking, and conducting campfires.
1922 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the August 22, 1922 edition of the Daily Local News, this article talks about the plentiful activities at Camp Rothrock, including swimming, hiking, and conducting campfires.
1922 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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February 23, 2026
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From the July 19, 1923 edition of the Daily Local News, this article lists out the staff of Camp Rothrock as well as some of the Scouts who will be attending during the various sessions.
1923 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the July 19, 1923 edition of the Daily Local News, this article lists out the staff of Camp Rothrock as well as some of the Scouts who will be attending during the various sessions.
1923 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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From the August 28, 1923 edition of the Daily Local News, this article discusses the final week’s activities including a long description of the final campfire of the summer.
1923 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the August 28, 1923 edition of the Daily Local News, this article discusses the final week’s activities including a long description of the final campfire of the summer.
1923 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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From the June 23, 1924 edition of the Daily Local News, this article outlines the staff who traveled to Camp Rothrock in the army truck along with some of the equipment they were taking with them.
1924 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the June 23, 1924 edition of the Daily Local News, this article outlines the staff who traveled to Camp Rothrock in the army truck along with some of the equipment they were taking with them.
1924 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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From the June 30, 1924 edition of the Daily Local News, this article mentions some of the individuals who made the trip out to Cumberland County from various locations in Chester County.
1924 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the June 30, 1924 edition of the Daily Local News, this article mentions some of the individuals who made the trip out to Cumberland County from various locations in Chester County.
1924 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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From the July 9, 1924 edition of the Daily Local News, this article summarizes the week’s events, listing out the activities of each day.
1924 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the July 9, 1924 edition of the Daily Local News, this article summarizes the week’s events, listing out the activities of each day.
1924 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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From the July 15, 1924 edition of the Daily Local News, this article summarizes the week’s events, listing out the activities of each day, and also mentioning who won each competition.
1924 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the July 15, 1924 edition of the Daily Local News, this article summarizes the week’s events, listing out the activities of each day, and also mentioning who won each competition.
1924 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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From the August 6, 1924 edition of the Daily Local News, this article talks about the winners for various competitions (under 110 lbs and over 110 lbs weight categories) as well as a few tidbits about meals and hikes during the week.
1924 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the August 6, 1924 edition of the Daily Local News, this article talks about the winners for various competitions (under 110 lbs and over 110 lbs weight categories) as well as a few tidbits about meals and hikes during the week.
1924 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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March 21, 2025
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This magazine article chronicles Paoli 1’s hike to Camp Rothrock in 1925.
1925 – Contributed by Anonymous
This magazine article chronicles Paoli 1’s hike to Camp Rothrock in 1925.
1925 – Contributed by Anonymous
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From the March 27, 1925 edition of the Daily Local News, this article mentions the conservation efforts of Chester County Council at Camp Rothrock, including planting 700 evergreens at Rothrock later in the year.
1925 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the March 27, 1925 edition of the Daily Local News, this article mentions the conservation efforts of Chester County Council at Camp Rothrock, including planting 700 evergreens at Rothrock later in the year.
1925 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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From the June 10, 1925 edition of The Daily Republican, this article mentions some of the staff of Camp Rothrock along with a list of activities planned for the summer and the merit badges that will be taught.
1925 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the June 10, 1925 edition of The Daily Republican, this article mentions some of the staff of Camp Rothrock along with a list of activities planned for the summer and the merit badges that will be taught.
1925 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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From the June 11, 1925 edition of the Brandywine Archive, this article mentions some of the staff of Camp Rothrock along with a list of activities planned for the summer and the merit badges that will be taught.
1925 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the June 11, 1925 edition of the Brandywine Archive, this article mentions some of the staff of Camp Rothrock along with a list of activities planned for the summer and the merit badges that will be taught.
1925 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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February 11, 2026
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From the June 15, 1925 edition of the Daily Local News, this article outlines the hiking trek that Paoli 1 Scouts were planning from home to Camp Rothrock, more than 120 miles away!
1925 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the June 15, 1925 edition of the Daily Local News, this article outlines the hiking trek that Paoli 1 Scouts were planning from home to Camp Rothrock, more than 120 miles away!
1925 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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From the June 25, 1925 edition of the Daily Local News, this article talks about J. Gibson McIlvain’s efforts to raise funds for council, but also talks about Charles Heistand heading to Camp Rothrock and the expected Scouts to arrive from various locales.
1925 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the June 25, 1925 edition of the Daily Local News, this article talks about J. Gibson McIlvain’s efforts to raise funds for council, but also talks about Charles Heistand heading to Camp Rothrock and the expected Scouts to arrive from various locales.
1925 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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From the July 9, 1925 edition of the Daily Local News, this article, taken from the journal of “Camp Adjutant” Joseph Brinton mentions an extensive list of activities, staff, and happenings during the first session at Camp Rothrock.
1925 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the July 9, 1925 edition of the Daily Local News, this article, taken from the journal of “Camp Adjutant” Joseph Brinton mentions an extensive list of activities, staff, and happenings during the first session at Camp Rothrock.
1925 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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From the August 5, 1925 edition of the Coatesville Record, this article talks about the week’s past activities, including hikes, a swim meet, and the excellent work of the Woodcraft School at Rothrock.
1925 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the August 5, 1925 edition of the Coatesville Record, this article talks about the week’s past activities, including hikes, a swim meet, and the excellent work of the Woodcraft School at Rothrock.
1925 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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February 11, 2026
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From the September 3, 1925 edition of the Daily Local News, this article summarized some of the statistics of the summary in terms of attendance and some of the honors that were achieved by the Scouts.
1925 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the September 3, 1925 edition of the Daily Local News, this article summarized some of the statistics of the summary in terms of attendance and some of the honors that were achieved by the Scouts.
1925 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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February 25, 2026
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From the May 6, 1926 edition of the Daily Local News, this article makes mention of the Mothers Auxiliary to the Boy Scouts meeting at the home of the mother of Joseph H. Brinton and raising over $200 to go towards the building of a hospital at Camp Rothrock.
1926 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the May 6, 1926 edition of the Daily Local News, this article makes mention of the Mothers Auxiliary to the Boy Scouts meeting at the home of the mother of Joseph H. Brinton and raising over $200 to go towards the building of a hospital at Camp Rothrock.
1926 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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February 21, 2026
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From the June 22, 1926 edition of the Daily Local News, this article mentions some of the staff that left from West Chester to Camp Rothrock at the beginning of the summer.
1926 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the June 22, 1926 edition of the Daily Local News, this article mentions some of the staff that left from West Chester to Camp Rothrock at the beginning of the summer.
1926 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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From the June 28, 1926 edition of the Daily Local News, this article gives a detailed look at transportation to Camp Rothrock in a truck departing from West Chester.
1926 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the June 28, 1926 edition of the Daily Local News, this article gives a detailed look at transportation to Camp Rothrock in a truck departing from West Chester.
1926 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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From the July 1, 1926 edition of the Daily Local News, this article from William K. Hathaway mentions some of the staff week’s entertainment, including musical performances, but also the preparation for the summer to come.
1926 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the July 1, 1926 edition of the Daily Local News, this article from William K. Hathaway mentions some of the staff week’s entertainment, including musical performances, but also the preparation for the summer to come.
1926 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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February 21, 2026
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From the July 14, 1926 edition of The Sentinel, this article from John Rife gives a listing of activities such as Indian night at camp, OA callout, hiking, the circus, and much more.
1926 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the July 14, 1926 edition of The Sentinel, this article from John Rife gives a listing of activities such as Indian night at camp, OA callout, hiking, the circus, and much more.
1926 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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February 21, 2026
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From the July 18, 1926 edition of the Daily Local News, this article gives a day-by-day listing of activities found at Camp Rothrock the previous week.
1926 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the July 18, 1926 edition of the Daily Local News, this article gives a day-by-day listing of activities found at Camp Rothrock the previous week.
1926 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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February 21, 2026
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From the July 19, 1926 edition of the Daily Local News, this article provided by Horace Rigg of Paoli 1 gives a rundown of all the week’s activities, including travel to Camp Rothrock.
1926 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the July 19, 1926 edition of the Daily Local News, this article provided by Horace Rigg of Paoli 1 gives a rundown of all the week’s activities, including travel to Camp Rothrock.
1926 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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February 21, 2026
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From the August 28, 1926 edition of the Daily Local News, this article mentions the staff returning from Camp Rothrock to West Chester after a long summer.
1926 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the August 28, 1926 edition of the Daily Local News, this article mentions the staff returning from Camp Rothrock to West Chester after a long summer.
1926 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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From the November 18, 1926 edition of the Daily Local News, this article discusses some of the challenges of Camp Rothrock and some of the benefits of the proposed new site in West Nottingham township, which would later become Camp Horseshoe.
1926 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the November 18, 1926 edition of the Daily Local News, this article discusses some of the challenges of Camp Rothrock and some of the benefits of the proposed new site in West Nottingham township, which would later become Camp Horseshoe.
1926 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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February 11, 2026
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From the March 1, 1927 edition of the Daily Local News, this article talks about Camp Rothrock receiving an ‘A’ grade in 1927 from the National Council versus the ‘B’ grade in 1926.
1927 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the March 1, 1927 edition of the Daily Local News, this article talks about Camp Rothrock receiving an ‘A’ grade in 1927 from the National Council versus the ‘B’ grade in 1926.
1927 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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March 29, 2026
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From the May 13, 1927 edition of the Daily Local News, this article talks about a council meeting at the home of J. Gibson McIlvain where it was decided that CCC would continue using Camp Rothrock in 1927 despite having searched for an alternative.
1927 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the May 13, 1927 edition of the Daily Local News, this article talks about a council meeting at the home of J. Gibson McIlvain where it was decided that CCC would continue using Camp Rothrock in 1927 despite having searched for an alternative.
1927 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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From the July 11, 1927 edition of the Daily Local News, this article makes a case for why Camp Rothrock is a rewarding experience for boys.
1927 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the July 11, 1927 edition of the Daily Local News, this article makes a case for why Camp Rothrock is a rewarding experience for boys.
1927 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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February 11, 2026
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From the July 14, 1927 edition of the Daily Local News, this article talks about Henry Trainer, a Paoli 1 Scout, who was selected to be the new bugler for Camp Rothrock.
1927 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the July 14, 1927 edition of the Daily Local News, this article talks about Henry Trainer, a Paoli 1 Scout, who was selected to be the new bugler for Camp Rothrock.
1927 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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February 11, 2026
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From the July 23, 1927 edition of the Coatesville Record, this article discusses the various activities in the weekly schedule of Camp Rothrock, along with some interesting anecdotes and quotes from one of the Scouts in attendance.
1927 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the July 23, 1927 edition of the Coatesville Record, this article discusses the various activities in the weekly schedule of Camp Rothrock, along with some interesting anecdotes and quotes from one of the Scouts in attendance.
1927 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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February 10, 2026
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From the August 2, 1927 edition of the Daily Local News, this article talks about Scouts taking shelter during heavy downpours at Camp Rothrock, the army trucks that were out of commission temporarily, and some Scouts that were in attendance that week.
1927 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the August 2, 1927 edition of the Daily Local News, this article talks about Scouts taking shelter during heavy downpours at Camp Rothrock, the army trucks that were out of commission temporarily, and some Scouts that were in attendance that week.
1927 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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February 11, 2026
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From the August 4, 1927 edition of the Brandywine Archive, this article, excerpted from Trailing by Chester County Council, talks about the activities and new features of Camp Rothrock after the reporter spent two days at the camp.
1927 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the August 4, 1927 edition of the Brandywine Archive, this article, excerpted from Trailing by Chester County Council, talks about the activities and new features of Camp Rothrock after the reporter spent two days at the camp.
1927 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
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February 8, 2026
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From the November 10, 1927 edition of the Daily Local News, this article gives tribute to Camp Rothrock, which was used for many years by Chester County Council prior to the purchase of Camp Horseshoe. A general assessment of the new facility on the Horseshoe Farm is also given.
1927 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the November 10, 1927 edition of the Daily Local News, this article gives tribute to Camp Rothrock, which was used for many years by Chester County Council prior to the purchase of Camp Horseshoe. A general assessment of the new facility on the Horseshoe Farm is also given.
